How to Stain Wood Furniture

HOW TO STAIN WOOD FURNITURE

By Shannah Rasmussen

INTRODUCTION

These instructions will teach you how to stain wood furniture. Staining wood is a great way to alter the colour of your favourite piece of furniture or to make an old piece look new again. Staining wood can be executed by anyone over the age of 8. However, children twelve and under should be supervised by an adult. No technical skills are necessary to carry out the project but during the sanding step of the process expect to use repetitive movements of the arms. Those with low mobility in their arms may have difficulties. The time it takes to complete the project depends on a few factors including the size of furniture, and drying times. Expect to complete a small to medium piece of furniture such as a nightstand or coffee table over 2-3 days, with manual labour taking approximately 6-8 hours.  The extra time in excess of 8 hours is needed to allow the coats of stain and varnish to dry.

Materials

• A piece of furniture of your choice
• Sand paper: medium grit 120 and 150 and fine grit 220
• Sanding block
• Sanding brush
• Three stain brushes
• Pre-stain wood conditioner
• Stain of your choice
• Varnish of your choice
• Paint stir sticks
• One package of latex gloves
• Safety glasses
• Damp tack cloth
• Large plastic sheet (to catch spills)

All of these items can be found at any hardware store such as Canadian Tire, or Home Hardware Customer service agents can help you choose the appropriate products for your select piece of furniture.

Preview of Main Steps

1. Sanding the Wood
2. Staining the Wood
3. Varnishing the Wood

Warning: Stain and finish are highly toxic to inhale or consume. Carry out the project in a well-ventilated area. If stain or finish is accidently inhaled or ingested, call poison control

immediately.

Note: Please read all cans of stain and varnish as drying times and other important instructions may vary depending on the product.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE

1. Sanding the Wood

1. Select the piece of furniture to stain.
2.  Find a well-ventilated and dry area to carry out the project.
3. Attach 120 grit sandpaper to the sanding block.

Note: Sanding against the grain may cause scratches and the wood to stain unevenly. To find the direction of the grain, run the back of your hand across the wood; the direction that feels smooth is the direction of the grain.

1. Sand in the direction of the grain until all old stain, finish, glass marks or scuffs is removed, bringing the wood back to its natural state.
2. Sand in the direction of the grain using the 150 grit sandpaper until the wood is smooth and even.
3.  Repeat step 1.5 except using the 220 grit sandpaper.  
4. Sweep all wood particles off the furniture using the sanding brush.

1. Staining the Wood

Note: It is recommend that you first stain on a concealed portion of wood in order to determine if the chosen stain is to your desired liking.

1. Put on your safety goggles and clean latex gloves.
2. Wipe down the wood with a damp tack cloth to remove all dust particles.
3. Read the warning labels and approximate drying times on the pre-stain wood conditioner and stain cans.

2.4 Apply thin coat of pre-stain wood conditioner using the stain brush. Make sure you are painting in the direction of the grain.  Allow 15 minutes to dry.